Ahead of the Curve

The robotics and automation theme has been gaining a lot of attention recently for good reasons. There is an industrial revolution emerging across all industries as they realise that the new tools and applications being developed will be highly disruptive to existing business models. These new technologies cover everything from autonomous cars and delivery drones to surgical tools.

Mercer signs Höfer deal

GERMANY - Mercer Germany's Frankfurt-based operation has signed an agreement to take over German pension consultant Höfer Vorsorge-Management on January 1.

IPE reported in November both firms had approached the German federal cartel office to test whether any factors could bar a possible deal, though a Mercer spokeswoman stressed at the time no deal had been made yet. (See earlier IPE story: Mercer plans catch up with Hofer merger, updated)

Mercer said it has acquired all shares in the Höfer business from its owners, Reinhold and Hugues Höfer.

"The acquisition gives Mercer the top market position in Germany extending its 300-strong employee base to more than 500, and expanding its reach to five additional offices in Berlin, Karlsruhe, Leipzig, Mülheim and Wiesbaden," read a statement today.

According to Michele Burns, Mercer's global chairman and chief executive officer (CEO), "Germany is key to Mercer's global growth, not only as Europe's largest economy, but also as an important base for multinational companies".

The merger with Höfer has now closed the gap between Mercer and rival firm Watson Wyatt, which completed its acquisition of Heissmann, another of Germany's leading pensions actuarial and pensions consultancies, in July.

If you have any comments you would like to add to this or any other story, contact Carolyn Bandel on +44 (0)20 7261 4622 or email carolyn.bandel@ipe.com